| Author |
Message |
    
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 388
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 11:16 pm: |     |
Since we seem to have so many North Carolina beachgoers here, Friday night my family and I are starting a week-long trip to/from Salter Path, NC (near Atlantic Beach, on what is known as the "Crystal Coast" of NC, which, technically speaking, is the southernmost part of the outer banks---but nobody refers to it as the outer banks).
This is our third trip there, but this year, for the first time, we plan to make at least one (if not more) day trips to Beaufort (pronounced, BOWfert) NORTH Carolina---which is NOT to be confused with Beaufort (pronounced BEWfert), SOUTH Carolina.
Anybody ever spent time in Beaufort, NC (which, incidentally is north of Morehead City and South of Duck, etc.)? Any suggestions on places to eat, things to do? We've already got some suggestions on cool kids activities (such as boat trips to check out the wild horses, etc.), but other tips are welcome
Thanks in advance for any responses.
|
toad
Citizen
Username: Toad
Post Number: 112
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 5:18 am: | |
Parris Island, nearby, is lovely in August. You can spend your time swatting sand fleas. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1337
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 7:36 am: | |
Parris Island is near Beaufort SOUTH Carolina, not Beaufort NC. |
gtonne
Supporter
Username: Gtonne
Post Number: 59
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 11:30 am: | |
Mwoodwalk-
We are making our first trip Emerald Isle, NC later in August. It's about 8 miles from Salter Path. Do you have any good info for us on that area?
Any restaurants or activities to recommend? Any local tips that will help us out?
Also, do you stop on the drive down and where do you stop? We were thinking of leaving late Friday evening and stopping just south of DC.
I would appreciate any advice you may have. Our main goal for the trip is to hang out on the beach so we're not looking for a ton of activities.
Thank you very much ! |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 389
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 8, 2005 - 10:40 pm: | |
Gtonne,
We're down here now--and we know Emerald Isle fairly well (we stayed there the first time we came down here to the "Crystal Coast").
It's really a great trip. To answer your last question, yes, we have broken the trip up everytime we've come (although this Sat. we're driving straight back so I can be home to go to the PGA Championship with my father at Baltusrol--I'll let you know how it goes). We tried staying in DC in year one, but got NAILED on Sat. morning between DC and Richmond; the traffic was aweful. We recommend highly pushing through until Richmond on Fri. night. We've stayed at a couple of Marriot-brand hotels off 95 near Richmond (last year it was a Residence Inn, this year, a Courtyard by Marriot). It's worked out very well b/c it makes the Saturday trip much more leisurely and much less prone to traffic---and its especially good for young kids like we have (i.e., they seem to be able to take the trip just fine).
As far as things to do while you're down here, there isn't much in the way of fine dining. Lots of good (not fancy) cheap seafood. The best meals we've had have been in Morehead City (which is North/East of Emerald Isle, across the bridge at Atlantic Beach). There's a seafood restaurant there called "The Sanitary" and across the street from the Sanitary there is a small restaurant whose name escapes both me and my wife; we went there last year just the two of us (had a sitter last year) and it was by far the best food we've had the three times we've been here---and, interestingly, the owner is from NYC.
In Emerald Isle itself, there's plenty of good family-friendly food spots. Bushwackers is a popular stop, and fun for the kids (plus its right on the water), but nothing super special. I'd recommend just going for one of the many fresh fish places or cooking at your house/condo.
In terms of activities, I can't be especially helpful b/c we mostly just spend time on the beach/in the pool in the complex we're in, with occassional trips out. This year we're being adventurous in going to Beaufort for the boat tour to see the wild horses, etc. I'll let you know how it goes after we're back (if you haven't already left). One thing you'll find plenty of are elaborate miniature golf/go-cart type places; so if you are bringing kids and they're of that age, you'll have plenty of options if you want to take advantiage. Also, if you're into golf, I highly recommend the Star Hill club. Its a very nice course for a good price (by NJ standards).
Net net, this is a great place to vacation, esp. with kids. Have a great trip.
|
gtonne
Supporter
Username: Gtonne
Post Number: 61
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 6:49 pm: | |
Thank you mwoodwalk for the great recs. It looks like we may have a tropical storm/hurricane to contend with next week - but we're looking forward to it anyway ! Much like you I think we'll be spending most of our time on the beach with our little kids and then mini golf would be a good idea. I appreciate your help. How was your trip to Beaufort? |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 391
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 9:46 pm: | |
Gtonne,
The Beaufort boat trip today was great--although it was the hottest and clearest its been since we've been here, so we only lasted an hour and change. However, we were able to go shelling for an hour (some GREAT shells there). Kids liked the trip. Saw one wild horse on the way out (the others were hiding from the sun, it would seem).
Another recommendation: if you do choose to eat out in Emerald Isle, make reservations or get there early (i.e., by 5:15/5:30). We tried to just show up around 5:45 two nights ago and there was an hour wait at Bushwackers and a half-hour wait at Ruckerjohns (both of which are in Emerald Isle). Seems as if the senior-citizens and family-with-young-kids crowd fills the joints up. Turned out alright though, as we found a hidden gem (Frank & Clara's) near our condo. You may also benefit, however, from the fact that school starts in NC the week after you're here, so there may be fewer locals around (and hence fewer people).
Again, enjoy the trip---and don't believe all the weather forecasts, they've been wrong more than they've been right. Cheers!!!
|
Lucy Mundo
Citizen
Username: Mundol
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 8:46 am: | |
I'm leaving Saturday(Sept. 3) to Emerald Isle for a week. Avoiding I95 and going via Chesapeake, VA. How did you guys all travel down there? Any last minute suggestions on food/things to do?
|
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1562
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 1:56 pm: | |
Can anyone recommend houses, agencies, etc. near Duck or Coralla? We're looking for a house for next August. |
Arsenal
Citizen
Username: Arsenal
Post Number: 24
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 2:06 pm: | |
You must go to the Grocery Store in Beaufort. Its great for lunch and dinner and have the best bloody mary's.
We usually go down Delaware cross, eventally, at the Bay Bridge Tunnel. I try and avoid 95 as much as possible. |
Lucy Mundo
Citizen
Username: Mundol
Post Number: 3
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 2:36 pm: | |
What do you mean by the Delaware Cross? |
gtonne
Supporter
Username: Gtonne
Post Number: 64
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 9:42 am: | |
We took 95 both ways and the drive was about 12.5 hrs down and 11.5 hrs back. If you end up going that way for some reason I would ignore the mapquest/google directions that tell you to exit 95 in Rocky Mount onto 64. For our return trip we discovered a much quicker way would be to stay on 95 to Smithsfield where you can exit for Route 70. Take Route 70 East/South to 17 South to 58 South into Emerald Isle. We did not take the Bay Bridge Tunnel route because it seemed like quite a hike on local roads to Emerald Isle once you reach NC. Also regarding 95, if at all possible, heed mwoodwalk's advice above to leave on Friday night and get south of Richmond. We were unable to do this and hit horrible traffic between DC and Richmond on Saturday.
As far as Emerald Isle itself - we had a great time and mostly hung out on the beach. We went to 4 restaurants, 3 of which I would recommend: Frank and Clara's in Salter Path (thank you mwoodwalk - good seafood and steak), RuckerJohn's (solid food) and Roadhouse Pizza on 58 just over the bridge (if you get tired of Seafood). We had a terrible experience at Bushwacker's - with both service and food. We had a decent lunch one day in Beaufort at Clawson's after a nice sailboat ride (www.goodfortunesails.com). The kids enjoyed putt putt golf and go kart rides at a place in Indian Beach. We also grilled grouper, wahoo, and clams from Captain Willis Fish Market in Salter Path. They were very nice and helpful.
Have a great time ! |
Lucy Mundo
Citizen
Username: Mundol
Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 9:55 am: | |
Well we got back Sunday after cutting our trip short by a day because of the threat of a hurricane. I heard from locals that tourism was down over Labor Day because there was a rumor there would be no gas available in N.C.
We did not take I95 but went via DE, MD, VA Chesapeake route and found it very quiet and an easy ride. Thanks for the suggestion.
Unfortunately the rip tides were horrendous and the wind was 20-30 mph on the beach so it wasn't ideal swimming weather. We did the usual mini put golf, cook seafood, visited Beaufort and Swansboro and relaxed.
Emerald Isle is great for families but I think just a little too far a trip for the beach. Anyone have experience with staying in Delaware or Maryland? Fenwick Island?
Thanks for all your help!
Lucy |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 401
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 9:52 pm: | |
Sorry your trip to Emerald Isle wasn't the best Lucy. We've never been down that time of year (i.e., in the later parts of hurricane season) so I don't know whether its the same place then as it is in late July/early August.
We've been down that way 3 times, and every time has been a wonderful trip (full of learning experiences, of course, but heck, you're on vacation).
I've often wondered of a closer location, but we never seem to follow-through---but of course, we have the duel motivation of seeing friends (who have a place down there) and vacationing.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip Gtonne; Frank and Claras was a nice find, eh? I'm just sorry we didn't find it in previous years; not surprised to hear about Bushwackers--it seems like the kind of place waiting for a service disaster.
Glad everyone got home safe from vacation. Now I guess its time to enjoy the fall.
|
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page